Yahoo News Lennon Clark reflects on 'dream' Hull FC appearance as teenager sets season goal
Lennon Clark says it was a "dream" to play for Hull FC against Bradford Bulls. The 18-year-old academy player was part of a young Black and Whites side that valiantly went down 34-32 at Odsal on Sunday afternoon, coming off the bench and making an impression.
Predominately a back-rower in his days with the scholarship and academy sides, Clark played at centre first before switching over to his preferred position. He also scored Hull's second try just after half-time, touching down after a sweeping move out wide.
Playing a fair chunk of the game, Clark went well, with the two sides sharing out a dozen tries in the Black and Whites' first pre-season game in what was an entertaining clash in West Yorkshire.
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"Ever since picking up a rugby ball, it's been my dream to play for Hull FC, and even though this was a friendly, it still meant a lot to me and my family," Clark, who grew up as a Black and White, said post-match. "I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform, but I think I did alright.
"It was a tricky game. I came on at centre too, and I don't have much experience playing there. I had a bit of a dig there and then moved to the back-row in the second half. It was good just to see how a different position is played, and it gives me confidence if I get put there again in the future.
"I didn't actually know I would be playing there. I was warming up, and Franny (Francis Cummins) told me. I just had to get my head around it quickly, but it was a great experience. I was honoured to play for as long as I did."
Hull found themselves 28-6 down at half-time after the Bulls' senior players made their quality known. However, a gutsy fightback began to unfold once the age groups evened up, with Hull showing their character and spirit to almost snatch a draw.
"I think our willingness to defend in the second half is what got us on the front foot," Clark explained. "That allowed us to play and get over the line. We had some belief in us, and we just fell short at the end, but we gave it our all.
"I think that's been the toughest game for me (so far). There were some bigger and more experienced fellas out there. It was difficult in that term, but it was great to share the field with them."
Clark is preparing for his second year in Hull's academy this season, with Cummins taking over from Michael Shenton a couple of months ago as Hull's new academy and reserves coach. The teenager is embracing some new ways of doing things, with a keen goal set for the 2024 season.
"It's different, but in a good way," Clark added. "It's different in terms of the way we play. Training is different, but we still get the same out of it.
"Shenny was a great coach, and Frannie has echoed that. I think we'll do well in the upcoming season. I'm hoping to play a few reserve games as well. I just want to play as many games as I can, but that was a great experience for me playing against bigger lads."
